US20200364527A1 - Angled slot in a transaction card - Google Patents
Angled slot in a transaction card Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200364527A1 US20200364527A1 US16/410,719 US201916410719A US2020364527A1 US 20200364527 A1 US20200364527 A1 US 20200364527A1 US 201916410719 A US201916410719 A US 201916410719A US 2020364527 A1 US2020364527 A1 US 2020364527A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- card body
- card
- slot
- transaction
- cutter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 34
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000005240 physical vapour deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005530 etching Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 24
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 24
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 14
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000010330 laser marking Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000010329 laser etching Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 5
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000003698 laser cutting Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005524 ceramic coating Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005229 chemical vapour deposition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000623 plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011253 protective coating Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004544 sputter deposition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000599 Cr alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000990 Ni alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001069 Ti alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910009372 YVO4 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003486 chemical etching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001311 chemical methods and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000788 chromium alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011231 conductive filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000014510 cooky Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001815 facial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005242 forging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000227 grinding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003999 initiator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002207 retinal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006748 scratching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002393 scratching effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052718 tin Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011135 tin Substances 0.000 description 1
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002792 vascular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
- G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
- G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
- G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
- G06K19/0772—Physical layout of the record carrier
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
- G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
- G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
- G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
- G06K19/0772—Physical layout of the record carrier
- G06K19/07722—Physical layout of the record carrier the record carrier being multilayered, e.g. laminated sheets
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/04—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the shape
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
- G06K19/063—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code the carrier being marginally punched or notched, e.g. having elongated slots
Definitions
- This disclosure generally relates to a transaction card, and more particularly, to an angled slot in a card body of a transaction card.
- transaction cards started to be fabricated with different types of metal and/or metal alloys to provide more durability and a higher status symbol.
- One issuer such as American Express® may issue millions of such metal cards to account holders each year.
- metal transaction cards may impact the functionality of integrated circuits with antennas.
- the metal card body may reduce or prevent the distribution of EM signals from the EMV chip through the metal card body.
- metal transaction cards have included a slit in the card body. For example, a continuous 90 degree cut that is about 60 microns wide and through the card body, from the edge of the card to about 3 ⁇ 4 of an inch into the card and through the chip milling area.
- the continuous 90 degree cut may be a straight line cut, a stepped cut or a squiggle cut.
- Such a cut tends to be a weak point in the planar surface.
- transaction cards are often pulled, bent, twisted and/or torqued in different ways (e.g., when removing from a wallet, inserting into an ATM, etc.).
- Such actions often put strain on the cut area causing the cut to further separate, the cut to extend further into the card and/or the part of the card next to the cut to crack.
- opposite pressure on either edge of the cut may split the card or break the EMV chip.
- the disclosure includes a transaction card comprising a card body having a slot.
- a first portion of the slot is formed at a first angle relative to a plane of the card body, and a third portion of the slot is formed at a third angle relative to the plane of the card body.
- the slot may include a second portion having a second angle.
- the second portion may connect the first portion and the third portion.
- the first portion, the second portion and the third portion may form a step shape.
- the second portion may be perpendicular to the first portion and the third portion.
- the first angle may be about 45 degrees with respect to a plane of the card body and the third angle may about 135 degrees with respect to a plane of the card body.
- the first angle may be about 60 degrees with respect to a plane of the card body and the third angle is about 150 degrees with respect to a plane of the card body.
- At least a portion of the third portion of the slot may extend under an EMV chip.
- the first portion begins at an edge of the card body.
- An EMV chip may be within a pocket in the card body and the pocket may include an aperture through the card body.
- the card body may also include at least one of a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating, ceramic, PVD, Ink, PVC laminate or other materials over at least a portion of the card body.
- the card body may include a metallic material comprising at least one of titanium, aluminum, or stainless steel.
- the card body may also include a marking, perforation, etching, relief or finishing features.
- a method of fabricating a card body may comprise positioning the card body at a first angle with respect to a cutter; creating a first portion of a slot in the card body at the first angle by at least one of translating the card body across the cutter or translating the cutter across the card body; stopping the translating of the card body; rotating at least one of the card body or the cutter to a third angle to create a second portion of the slot; and creating a third portion of the slot in the card body at the third angle by at least one of translating the card body across the cutter or translating the cutter across the card body.
- the translating the transaction card across the cutter may include creating a third portion of the slot that ends underneath an EMV chip.
- FIG. 1 is a drawing of a front view of a transaction card showing an exemplary slot and other features, in accordance with various embodiments.
- FIG. 2 is a drawing of various layers of a transaction card, in accordance with various embodiments.
- FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the details of a pocket within a card body, in accordance with various embodiments.
- FIG. 4 is a drawing showing exemplary angles of the slots in a card body, in accordance with various embodiments.
- FIG. 5 is a drawing of an exemplary jig for rotating a card body, in accordance with various embodiments.
- FIG. 6 is a drawing of an exemplary robotic arm system for rotating a card body, in accordance with various embodiments.
- FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing the process for creating a transaction card, in accordance with various embodiments.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a transaction card 100 showing primary surface 204 .
- the transaction card 100 may be composed of card body 110 which may comprise any material disclosed herein.
- the transaction card 100 includes a width 126 relative to height 128 .
- Primary surface 204 and secondary surface 208 may include a DLC coating and various features that are produced through marking, finishing, etching, and/or perforation, as described herein.
- Primary surface 204 may comprise one or more of a matte surface and a glossy surface. In various embodiments, primary surface 204 may be polished to a glossy, highly reflective surface. Finishing may be used to transform a portion of the glossy surface to a matte finish.
- fabricating the transaction card 100 may include creating different layers of the transaction card 100 .
- the overall transaction card 100 may include various layers including, for example, one or more of a diamond clear coating 210 , raised letter printing 215 , black ceramic coating 220 , card body 110 comprised of a stainless steel inlay with antenna, a glue lam 230 , a black PVC print layer 235 and a clear laminate 240 with a magnetic stripe 206 or signature panel (e.g., milled within the laminate).
- any layer of the transaction card 100 may include an angled slot 125 having a first portion 130 , a second portion 140 and a third portion 150 in the card body 110 .
- the slot 125 may be, for example, about 60 microns wide (a typical transaction card thickness 104 is about 760(+/ ⁇ 10%) microns). Slot 125 may pass through the entire thickness 104 of card body 110 , though in various embodiments slot 125 may be a score or channel within card body 110 .
- the angled slot 125 may be in the form of a “French cleat”.
- the transaction card includes multiple slots 125 (or multiple portions of a slot 125 ) formed from different angles.
- the angled slot 125 may prevent or minimize separation.
- the angled slot 125 may prevent or minimize separation when pressure is applied to the card from opposite sides. If just one angled slot 125 is used (e.g., just the first portion 130 or just the third portion 150 ), reverse pressure points on either side of the slot 125 may still split the card and/or break the EMV chip 102 .
- the slot 125 may start at an edge of the card body 110 and end below the EMV chip 102 .
- the third portion 150 of the slot 125 may end at a far edge of an aperture 120 within a pocket 122 (the far aperture edge is the aperture edge farthest from the card edge 168 where the slot 125 starts).
- the card body 110 may include a pocket 122 that houses the EMV chip 102 .
- Pocket 122 may be created by any device or process that may form the pocket such as by milling, laser cutting, chemical etching, whittling, etc.
- the pocket 122 may be centered at about 0.601 inches from the closer side of the card and 0.895 inches from the top of the card.
- the pocket 122 may include an aperture 120 in the center of the pocket 122 .
- the pocket 122 includes a recessed ledge 123 within the pocket 122 and the recessed ledge 123 surrounds the aperture 120 .
- the outer rim of the EMV chip 102 may rest on the recessed ledge 123 , while the center of the EMV chip 102 is suspended over the aperture 120 .
- the angled slot 125 may communicate with the antenna in the EMV chip 102 .
- the EMV standard governs how payment cards and point of sale (POS) terminals interact to facilitate purchases and withdrawals in a fast and secure manner.
- the EMV standard also enables verifications of payments.
- the EMV chip 102 uses capacitive coupling and/or inductive coupling to facilitate an exchange of data communication and energy with a contactless reader.
- EMV chip 102 also drives active elements such as, for example, for integrating into payment objects and identification objects. As such, when the transaction card is waved over a POS terminal, the POS terminal may send out an EM field with EM energy.
- the slot 125 may focus energy above and/or below the slot 125 .
- the slot 125 overlaps with the EMV chip 102 , so in an EM field, the surface current around the slot 125 may provide the power delivery to the EMV chip 102 by coupling the EM energy to the inductive coupling contact pad that includes a module antenna of the EMV chip 102 .
- the coupling may be a reactive coupling that includes a combination of capacitive and inductive coupling.
- each portion may be formed at any angle and be any length.
- first portion 130 of slot 125 may be in a range of between about 35 degrees to about 70 degrees with respect to the plane of the card body.
- first portion may be at an about 45 degree angle from the plane of the card.
- the length of first portion 130 may be in a range of between about 0.1875-0.25 inches into the card from an edge 168 of the card.
- the length may be about 3 ⁇ 8, 1 ⁇ 4 or 3/16 inches in various embodiments.
- the length of the first portion 130 may vary depending on the size of the contact pad and pocket 122 .
- the second portion 140 is formed substantially perpendicular to the first portion 130 based on rotating the card about 90 degrees.
- the second portion may be formed with an about 90 degree angle from the plane of the card.
- the third portion 150 of the slot 125 may be in a range of between about 90 degrees and about 160 degrees with respect to the plane of the card body.
- third portion 150 may be at an opposite about 45 degree angle from the plane of the card (i.e., 135 degree angle from the original plane of the card).
- Third portion 150 may be in a range of between about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches in length.
- the length of the third portion 150 may be about 0.69 inches.
- the first portion 130 of the slot 125 may be at an about 60 degree angle from the plane of the card.
- the third portion 150 of the slot 125 may be about 0.69 inches in length and may be at an opposite about 60 degree angle from the plane of the card (i.e., 150 degree angle). This may leave about 1385 microns of overlap in each direction, with a length of the angled slot 125 of about 1600 microns.
- the slot 125 may be formed into the card.
- the slot 125 may be formed by cutting the slot 125 out of the card body 110 (e.g., laser cutter).
- the card body 110 may be pushed through the cutter or the cutter may move across the card body 110 .
- the cutter may be mounted to a 3D robot arm, to allow the cutter to move across the card body 110 .
- a jig may translate the card body 110 through a perpendicular cutter (e.g., laser beam).
- the card body 110 may move a little more than about 0.5 inches when forming all of the first portion 130 , second portion 140 and third portion 150 of the slot 125 .
- the card body is positioned at a first angle with respect to the cutter (step 710 ).
- the device creates a first portion of a slot in the card body at the first angle by at least one of translating the card body across the cutter or translating the cutter across the card body (step 720 ).
- the card body 110 or cutter may be rotated about 90 degrees (step 740 ). Such rotation causes a second portion 140 of the slot 125 to be formed substantially perpendicular to the first portion 130 .
- the card body 110 or cutter is then translated again to form the third portion 150 (step 750 ).
- the fabrication of the slot 125 may completed with a jig (e.g., laser jig), as set forth in FIG. 5 .
- the card may be placed on mounting device 410 of a jig that moves the card through a perpendicular cutter 400 (e.g., laser cutter) or cutter 400 translates over the jig.
- the mounting device 410 may include a lifting table 415 that includes a hinge 417 on one end of the lifting table 415 and a guide handle 420 on the other end of the lifting table 415 .
- a card locking mechanism 419 holds the card against a front face of the lifting table 415 .
- the hinge 417 rotatably connects the lifting table 415 to an about 45 degree block 425 .
- the 45 degree block 425 is mounted on a slide block 430 .
- the cutter 400 may be fixed perpendicular to the mounting device 410 , but the lifting table 415 may be rotated around its hinge 417 from about ⁇ 45 degrees to about +
- the fabrication of the slot 125 may be completed with a robotic arm 510 , as set forth in FIG. 6 .
- the robotic arm 510 may hold the card body 110 between cutter 500 (e.g., a laser cutter or wire cutter).
- the cutter 500 may be fixed perpendicular to the robotic arm 510 .
- the robotic arm 510 moves the card body 110 through the cutter 500 to form the first portion 130 of the slot 125 at the about 45 degree angle.
- the robotic arm 510 does not translate the card, but rotates the card about 90 degrees (i.e., from about ⁇ 45 degrees to about +45 degrees).
- the rotation of the card body 110 below the cutter 500 forms the second portion 140 of the slot 125 .
- the robotic arm 510 then translates the card body 110 again to form the third portion 150 of the slot 125 at the about 135 degree angle.
- the cutting may proceed about parallel to the first portion 130 of the slot 125 .
- the third portion 150 of the slot 125 may be fabricated by cutting at an opposite about 45 degree angle from the plane of the card (i.e., about 135 degree angle).
- the third portion 150 of the slot 125 may be in a range of between about 0.625 to 0.690 inches and end at a far edge of an aperture within a pocket (the far aperture edge is the aperture edge farthest from the card edge where the slot 125 starts).
- the slot 125 then may be filled with non-conductive filler.
- the excess filler may then be polished or buffed off the surface (front and back) of the card body 110 and off the edges.
- Filling the slot 125 may also include vacuum pulling glue into the slot 125 and curing the glue.
- a DLC or metal coating may be applied to the card body 110 .
- a pocket 122 for the EMV chip 102 may be milled out of the card.
- the pocket 122 may include an aperture 120 in the center of the pocket.
- the pocket includes a recessed ledge 123 within the pocket and the recessed ledge 123 surrounds the aperture 120 .
- the EMV chip 102 may rest on the recessed ledge 123 , while the center of the EMV chip 102 is suspended over the aperture 120 .
- multiple slots 125 may be formed in a sheet of cards prior to cutting out the individual card bodies.
- individual card bodies 110 are first cut out of the sheet prior to forming the slot 125 in each card body 110 .
- the slots 125 are formed in each transaction card.
- multiple cards are then embedded in PVC in a sheet format on a tray (e.g., 16 cards per tray).
- the multiple cards are maintained in the sheet format with 2-5 tabs per card to lock the card in place.
- the multiple cards are maintained in a sheet format to allow for more accurate alignments, more accurate registration, easier card art and more efficient printing on the cards.
- a magnetic stripe 206 is mounted onto a non-stick sheet.
- Glue is used and laminate is melted into the magnetic stripe 206 cutout.
- a computerized number control (CNC) lathe machine is used to cut and polish the magnetic stripes 206 .
- the top and bottom non-stick may easily peel off, and the cards can be popped out.
- a “transaction card” may include any surface, object, device or any part of a card that includes a slot 125 , regardless of the card's ability to conduct a transaction. Slot 125 may be within the card body or any other part of the card.
- a “transaction card” may also include any device that acts as a contactless antenna and/or focuses EM waves. The disclosure may also apply to minimizing or preventing breakage of any surface, object or device.
- a transaction card may be a charge card, credit card, debit card, awards card, prepaid card, telephone card, smart card, magnetic stripe card, bar code card, transponder, radio frequency card and/or the like.
- the transaction card may have an associated account number (e.g., embossed, printed, and/or accessed), which cardholders typically present to merchants or use to interact with a machine, as part of a transaction, such as a purchase.
- ISO 7810 stipulates that transaction cards in the “ID-1” format be 85.60 mm in width ⁇ 53.98 mm in height ⁇ 0.76 mm in thickness (3.370 in ⁇ 2.125 in ⁇ 0.03 in) (as the terms width, height, and thickness are further discussed herein).
- transaction cards may be standard-sized (i.e., about 33 ⁇ 8 inches by about 21 ⁇ 4 inches by about 0.03 inches, and/or those dimensions specified in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811, for example, for an “ID-1” card) or any other size specified in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811 or any other size or configuration still usable as a transaction card or configured to interact with another card or device (e.g., a larger transaction card, small transaction card, reduced size transaction card, foldable transaction card, the card being part of another device, the card being removed from another device).
- another card or device e.g., a larger transaction card, small transaction card, reduced size transaction card, foldable transaction card, the card being part of another device, the card being removed from another device.
- the transaction card may have a magnetic stripe 206 , an embedded EMV chip 102 , a signature panel, a holographic image, and/or any feature typically contained on or within a transaction card.
- Various foldable cards and/or transaction cards of non-traditional size may be used as the transaction card in various embodiments.
- a card body 110 may refer to a material in any shape or thickness.
- the card body 110 may be shaped substantially as a transaction card and/or a layer of a transaction card.
- the card body may be generally sized as a transaction card though it may not meet ISO 7810 and/or 7811 dimensions.
- a layer of a transaction card may refer to a material that has the length and width (as defined herein) substantially near the ISO 7810 and/or 7811 specified dimensions but has a thickness (as defined herein) less than the ISO 7810 and/or 7811 specified dimensions.
- a transaction card 100 may comprise a layer of metal that is, in various embodiments, bonded, laminated and/or otherwise coupled to another layer (or a transaction card having a metal layer and another layer such as a ceramic layer).
- a metallic card body may have the width and height of an ID-1 card as set forth in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811, but may have a thickness that is less than the thickness of an ID-1 card as set forth in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811.
- a metallic card body may have a thickness of less than 0.03 in. and/or less than 0.025 in.
- the card body 110 may be polished and/or buffed to a glossy, highly reflective finish.
- the finishes may include, for example, ceramic, PVD, DLC, ink, chemical process or any other finishing technique.
- one or more cutters or lasers may be used to alter the card body.
- a laser may emit a focused beam of light having a given power output.
- a laser directed at a surface may have varying effects on the surface based upon the power output of the laser and the duration of exposure.
- Lasers may emit a light over a small area, providing the ability for precision works.
- lasers may be accurately and precisely controlled via electronic control systems for manufacturing ease.
- a typical laser may be obtained from Virtek Laser Solutions, Inc.
- a 1064 nm, 25 W diode pumped YVO 4 laser may be used.
- the effect a laser may have on a metal material depends in part on the power output of the laser and the duration of exposure. For example, exposure for a short time to a low power laser may alter the surface characteristics of a metal material, for example, changing a glossy finished surface to a matte finish (i.e., one that is not as reflective to visible light). In contrast, exposure to a high power output laser for a first duration, or a lower power output laser for a second duration that is longer than the first duration, may cause a perforation of the metal material. In that regard, various laser processes may be characterized by their effect on a metal material. These various techniques may be applied, in various embodiments, in the manufacture of a card body or the entire transaction card.
- Lasers can provide marking of metal materials at depths of as low as about 0.0003 inches. Though lasers may have various power outputs, for purposes of explanation, various laser processes may be characterized by the total power during the exposure to a metal material. Stated another way, the total power of laser exposure to a surface may be thought of as the amount of laser energy applied per unit time of exposure.
- card body 110 may comprise pocket 122 .
- Pocket 122 may comprise an indentation or other depression that is offset from primary surface 204 .
- EMV chip 102 is disposed in pocket 122 .
- the position of EMV chip 102 on the card body 110 may be standardized by industry practice (for example, ISO 7816).
- EMV chip 102 may include an integrated antenna so that EMV chip 102 may facilitate wireless transactions.
- EMV chip 102 may comprise any suitable recordable media, for example, an integrated circuit.
- EMV chip 102 may comply with one or more industry standards such as ISO 7819 and ISO 7816 to provide “smartcard” functionality to transaction card 100 . In that regard, EMV chip 102 may aid in the facilitation of financial transactions.
- EMV chip 102 may be disposed onto a card body in a variety of ways.
- Pocket 122 may be formed so that when EMV chip 102 is disposed therein, a surface of EMV chip 102 will be flush or substantially flush with primary surface 204 .
- An adhesive may be disposed in the pocket 122 or on the EMV chip 102 prior to positioning an EMV chip 102 into a pocket 122 in card body 110 . Any suitable adhesive may be used. For example, ABLEBOND 931-1T1N1 may be used for this purpose.
- an insulating material may be disposed in the card body 110 pocket 122 to be positioned between the EMV chip 102 and the card body 110 so as to electrically insulate the EMV chip 102 and the card body.
- An adhesive may act as an insulating material. Any insulator may be used for this purpose.
- card body 110 may comprise any material.
- the material for the card body may be a metallic material comprising any suitable metal and/or metal alloy, including titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy stainless steel, tin, zinc, copper, nickel, chromium, tungsten, brass and/or nickel/chromium alloys.
- Card body 110 may have card backer applied to card body 110 comprised of a laminate, print layer and/or coating.
- the card backer may include any of the surfaces disclosed in FIG. 2 such as, for example, a diamond clear coating 210 , raised letter printing 215 , black ceramic coating 220 , a glue lam 230 , a black PVC print layer 235 and a clear laminate 240 with a magnetic stripe 206 or signature panel (e.g., milled within the laminate).
- a card backer may refer to a transaction card shaped material in any size, shape or thickness. The card backer may be shaped substantially as a transaction card and/or a layer of a transaction card.
- the card backer may be generally sized as a transaction card though it may not meet ISO 7810 and/or 7811 dimensions.
- a card backer may have the length and width (as defined herein) substantially near the ISO 7810 and/or 7811 specified dimensions but has a thickness (as defined herein) less than the ISO 7810 and/or 7811 specified dimensions.
- a transaction card may comprise a card backer coupled to (by bonding, lamination, and/or other suitable method) a card body.
- a card backer may have the width and height of an ID-1 card as set forth in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811, but may have a thickness that is less than the thickness of an ID-1 card as set forth in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811.
- a card backer may have a thickness of less than 0.003 in., less than 0.02 in., 0.18 in., less than 0.015, and between 0.001 inches and 0.02 inches.
- a metallic card body may be coated with a protective coating.
- the coating may be deposited via physical vapor deposition (PVD).
- the body may be coated with a protective coating such as a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating.
- DLC coating may be generally amorphous, though portions of a DLC coating may have a crystalline structure.
- a DLC coating may comprise a mixture of forms of carbon, including graphite and diamond.
- carbon in a DLC coating may contain hybridized carbon.
- a DLC coating may comprise a carbon composition that exhibits high hardness, corrosion resistance, low coefficient of friction ( ⁇ 0.02 to 0.2), and high electrical resistivity.
- a DLC coating may be between 1 micron and 50 microns thick, between 2 microns and 25 microns thick, and between 2 microns and 15 microns thick.
- a DLC coating may be applied by PVD process, for example, cathodic arc PVD, sputtering, or plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
- a metal-containing transaction card may have a metallic card body and a DLC coating that may provide improved corrosion resistance relative to metallic transaction cards without a DLC coating.
- Secondary surface 208 may comprise a feature or marking.
- Feature may include account indicia such as an account number, an accountholder's name, a loyalty notation (e.g., “Member Since 2001”), an expiration date, a signature, a brand name, or other indicia such as legal notices, regulatory compliance messages, phone numbers, URLs, email addresses, trademarks, pictures, graphics, bar codes, CCID code or any alphanumeric characters.
- account indicia such as an account number, an accountholder's name, a loyalty notation (e.g., “Member Since 2001”), an expiration date, a signature, a brand name, or other indicia such as legal notices, regulatory compliance messages, phone numbers, URLs, email addresses, trademarks, pictures, graphics, bar codes, CCID code or any alphanumeric characters.
- finishing may refer any device or process (e.g., application of a laser to a surface or CNC machining) to remove and/or disrupt a glossy and/or highly reflective finish.
- laser finishing may impart a matte finish on a metal material surface.
- marking may refer to any device or process (e.g., application of a laser to a surface or CNC machining) imparts a visible disruption to the surface. For example, removing a portion of material from the surface of the card body.
- account indicia such as an account number, an accountholder's name, a loyalty notation (e.g., “Member Since 2001”), an expiration date, a signature, a brand name, or other indicia such as legal notices, regulatory compliance messages, phone numbers, URLs, email addresses, trademarks, pictures, graphics, bar codes, CCID code or any alphanumeric characters may be marked onto a surface.
- laser marking may impart visible features to a metal material surface such as readable text onto a metal material surface. Laser marking involves the application of more total power from a laser than laser finishing.
- etching may refer any device or process (e.g., application of a laser to a surface or CNC machining) that imparts an indentation to the surface.
- etching may be used to impart various graphic features onto a surface of a card body.
- a logo, a decorative border, a brand name, and/or other features may be etched onto a surface.
- laser etching may remove a portion of metal material from a metal material surface.
- laser marking may impart visible features to a metal material surface that have a palpable depth.
- Laser etching involves the application of more total power from a laser than laser marking.
- perforation may refer any device or process for (e.g., application of a laser to a surface or CNC machining) to bore a hole completely through the card body.
- perforation may be used to impart various graphic features onto a card body.
- a logo and/or other features may be formed onto a card body.
- laser perforation may completely remove metal material from a metal material surface, leaving a through hole.
- laser perforation may impart visible features to a metal material surface that traverse a thickness (as defined herein) of a card body.
- Laser perforation involves the application of more total power from a laser than laser etching.
- Laser cutting may be performed with similar laser parameters as laser perforation, but laser cutting may be used to remove metal material in any suitable manner.
- Marked feature 210 is disposed on primary surface 204 .
- Marked feature may be produced by laser marking, as discussed above.
- marked feature may include account indicia such as an account number, an accountholder's name, a loyalty notation (e.g., “Member Since 2001”), an expiration date, a signature, a brand name, or other indicia such as legal notices, regulatory compliance messages, phone numbers, URLs, email addresses, trademarks, pictures, graphics, bar codes, CCID code or any alphanumeric characters.
- Etched feature 202 is disposed on primary surface 204 .
- Etched feature may be produced by laser etching, as discussed above.
- etched feature may include a logo, and/or a decorative feature such as a border, though other patterns are contemplated herein.
- Secondary surface 208 may comprise fill panel 108 .
- Fill panel 108 may comprise a metal material, for example, the same metal material of card body 110 .
- Fill panel 108 may have thickness from about 0.001 in to about 0.01 in, about 0.003 in to about 0.009 in and/or about 0.008 in, wherein the term about may refer to +/ ⁇ 0.0001 in.
- Fill panel 108 may be coupled to a card backer by an adhesive or other suitable coupling method.
- a gloss/matte feature may comprise a feature that comprises a gloss portion and matte portion.
- gloss portion and matte portion may be configured to display account indicia such as an account number, an accountholder's name, a loyalty notation (e.g., “Member Since 2001”), an expiration date, a signature, a brand name, or other indicia such as legal notices, regulatory compliance messages, phone numbers, URLs, email addresses, trademarks, pictures, graphics, bar codes, CCID code or any alphanumeric characters.
- account indicia such as an account number, an accountholder's name, a loyalty notation (e.g., “Member Since 2001”), an expiration date, a signature, a brand name, or other indicia such as legal notices, regulatory compliance messages, phone numbers, URLs, email addresses, trademarks, pictures, graphics, bar codes, CCID code or any alphanumeric characters.
- alphanumeric characters may be formed as gloss portion against background of matte portion.
- a magnetic stripe 206 may be disposed on secondary surface 208 .
- Magnetic stripe 206 may comprise any suitable recordable media.
- Magnetic stripe 206 may be encoded via any encoding processes commonly used to encode the transaction cards.
- either or both of the recordable media, such as the magnetic stripe 206 and/or the EMV chip 102 may be encoded to provide transaction card 100 with information beneficial to facilitate a financial transaction.
- the recordable media may be read via a magnetic stripe reader or a EMV chip 102 reader.
- Manufacturing a transaction card 100 or card body 110 may include machining, grinding, casting, forging, water jet cutting, die cutting, laser cutting, plasma cutting and stamping, as well as by additive manufacturing techniques.
- the card body 110 may be subject to DLC coating.
- a DLC coating may be applied by a PVD process, for example, cathodic arc PVD, sputtering, or plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
- the DLC coating may be applied to primary surface 204 , secondary surface 208 or both.
- the card body 110 may be subject to treating.
- treating may comprise finishing, marking, etching, and perforation.
- laser finishing, laser marking, laser etching, and laser perforation may be performed on the DLC coated card body 110 to create the various features described in connection with those techniques.
- a single laser is used for laser treating and set to different total power outputs to accomplish each task.
- Certain indicia, such as a cardholder's signature may be captured digitally and used as a digital template to guide the laser in laser marking the cardholder's signature.
- the DLC coated card body 110 may have recordable media applied such as a magnetic stripe 206 .
- a magnetic stripe 206 may be disposed on the DLC coated card body using an adhesive or other suitable coupling media.
- An EMV chip 102 may be installed in pocket 122 .
- Metal-containing transaction cards that are DLC coated have a number of advantages over conventional transaction cards comprised of plastic or metal.
- DLC coatings may be very hard and thus DLC coated metal-containing transaction cards may resist scratching.
- DLC coated metal-containing transaction cards may be more resistant to deformation than plastic or metal.
- Combinations of various features found in DLC coated metal-containing transaction cards described herein may be very difficult to reproduce without costly equipment and know-how. Thus, the risk of fraudulent reproduction of DLC coated metal-containing transaction cards is reduced, thus leading to more security.
- DLC coated metal-containing transaction cards may further provide a luxurious look and feel, which may be beneficial in the marketplace.
- transaction card 100 and related systems may be configured with a biometric security system that may be used for providing biometrics as a secondary form of identification.
- the biometric security system may include a transponder and a reader communicating with the system.
- the biometric security system also may include a biometric sensor that detects biometric samples and a device for verifying biometric samples.
- the biometric security system may be configured with one or more biometric scanners, processors and/or systems.
- a biometric system may include one or more technologies, or any portion thereof, such as, for example, recognition of a biometric.
- a biometric may include a user's voice, fingerprint, facial, ear, signature, vascular patterns, DNA sampling, hand geometry, sound, olfactory, keystroke/typing, iris, retinal or any other biometric relating to recognition based upon any body part, function, system, attribute and/or other characteristic, or any portion thereof.
- an account number 210 may appear on the card.
- the account number may be distributed and stored in any form of plastic, metal, electronic, magnetic, radio frequency, wireless, audio and/or optical device capable of transmitting or downloading data from itself to a second device.
- a customer account number may be, for example, a sixteen-digit credit card number, although each credit provider has its own numbering system, such as the fifteen-digit numbering system used by American Express.
- Each company's credit card numbers comply with that company's standardized format such that the company using a sixteen-digit format will generally use four spaced sets of numbers, as represented by the number “0000 0000 0000 0000”.
- the first five to seven digits are reserved for processing purposes and identify the issuing bank, card type and etc. In this example, the last sixteenth digit is used as a sum check for the sixteen-digit number.
- the intermediary eight-to-ten digits are used to uniquely identify the customer.
- an account number may identify a consumer.
- a consumer may be identified by a variety of identifiers, including, for example, an email address, a telephone number, a cookie id, a radio frequency identifier (RFID), a biometric, a geographic indicator and/or the like.
- RFID radio frequency identifier
- the card may be associated with, have access to or include a rewards account, charge account, credit account, debit account, prepaid account, telephone card, embossed card, smart card, magnetic stripe card, bar code card, transponder, radio frequency card, key card, access card or an associated account.
- any terms similar to “identifier” may be any suitable identifier that uniquely identifies an item.
- the identifier may be a globally unique identifier (“GUID”).
- GUID may be an identifier created and/or implemented under the universally unique identifier standard.
- the GUID may be stored as 128-bit value that can be displayed as 32 hexadecimal digits.
- the identifier may also include a major number, and a minor number. The major number and minor number may each be 16 bit integers.
- the card or associated systems may include or interface with any accounts, devices, and/or a transponder and reader (e.g. RFID reader) in RF communication with the transponder (which may include a fob), or communications between an initiator and a target enabled by near field communications (NFC).
- Typical devices may include, for example, a key ring, tag, card, cell phone, wristwatch or any such form capable of being presented for interrogation.
- the card, system, computing unit or device discussed herein may include a “pervasive computing device,” which may include a traditionally non-computerized device that is embedded with a computing unit. Examples may include watches, Internet enabled kitchen appliances, restaurant tables embedded with RF readers, wallets or purses with imbedded transponders, etc.
- a device or financial transaction instrument may have electronic and communications functionality enabled. For example, by: a network of electronic circuitry that is printed or otherwise incorporated onto or within the transaction instrument (and typically referred to as a “smart card”); a fob having a transponder and an RFID reader; and/or near field communication (NFC) technologies.
- a network of electronic circuitry that is printed or otherwise incorporated onto or within the transaction instrument (and typically referred to as a “smart card”); a fob having a transponder and an RFID reader; and/or near field communication (NFC) technologies.
- NFC near field communication
- cards, components, modules, and/or engines of the system may be implemented in association with micro-applications or micro-apps.
- Micro-apps are typically deployed in the context of a mobile operating system, including for example, a WINDOWS® mobile operating system, an ANDROID® Operating System, APPLE® IOS®, a BLACKBERRY® operating system and the like.
- the micro-app may be configured to leverage the resources of the larger operating system and associated hardware via a set of predetermined rules which govern the operations of various operating systems and hardware resources. For example, where a micro-app desires to communicate with a device or network other than the mobile device or mobile operating system, the micro-app may leverage the communication protocol of the operating system and associated device hardware under the predetermined rules of the mobile operating system.
- the micro-app desires an input from a user, the micro-app may be configured to request a response from the operating system which monitors various hardware components and then communicates a detected input from the hardware to the micro-app.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
- Waveguide Aerials (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This disclosure generally relates to a transaction card, and more particularly, to an angled slot in a card body of a transaction card.
- Typical transaction cards are made from thermoplastic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, these transaction cards are susceptible to being damaged or destroyed if exposed to damaging environments. For example, transaction cards may be damaged if left exposed to the elements for an extended period of time. Moisture and/or sunlight may break down the chemical bonds within the polymers of typical transaction cards, such that transaction cards left exposed to moisture and sunlight may become warped, cracked and/or unusable. In addition, thermoplastic transaction cards may be easily bent or may be broken or cut, thereby damaging the transaction card and rendering it unusable.
- To reduce some of the problems with the thermoplastic materials, transaction cards started to be fabricated with different types of metal and/or metal alloys to provide more durability and a higher status symbol. One issuer such as American Express® may issue millions of such metal cards to account holders each year. However, metal transaction cards may impact the functionality of integrated circuits with antennas. In particular, the metal card body may reduce or prevent the distribution of EM signals from the EMV chip through the metal card body. To help facilitate the distribution of EM signals from the EMV chip through the metal card body, metal transaction cards have included a slit in the card body. For example, a continuous 90 degree cut that is about 60 microns wide and through the card body, from the edge of the card to about ¾ of an inch into the card and through the chip milling area. The continuous 90 degree cut may be a straight line cut, a stepped cut or a squiggle cut.
- However, such a cut tends to be a weak point in the planar surface. In particular, transaction cards are often pulled, bent, twisted and/or torqued in different ways (e.g., when removing from a wallet, inserting into an ATM, etc.). Such actions often put strain on the cut area causing the cut to further separate, the cut to extend further into the card and/or the part of the card next to the cut to crack. In particular, opposite pressure on either edge of the cut may split the card or break the EMV chip.
- Therefore, a need exists for a transaction card that has strength, durability and withstands exposure to the elements, while also avoiding or minimizing the impact of the distribution of EM signals from the EMV chip through the metal card body.
- In various embodiments, the disclosure includes a transaction card comprising a card body having a slot. A first portion of the slot is formed at a first angle relative to a plane of the card body, and a third portion of the slot is formed at a third angle relative to the plane of the card body. The slot may include a second portion having a second angle. The second portion may connect the first portion and the third portion. The first portion, the second portion and the third portion may form a step shape. The second portion may be perpendicular to the first portion and the third portion. The first angle may be about 45 degrees with respect to a plane of the card body and the third angle may about 135 degrees with respect to a plane of the card body. In other embodiments, the first angle may be about 60 degrees with respect to a plane of the card body and the third angle is about 150 degrees with respect to a plane of the card body. At least a portion of the third portion of the slot may extend under an EMV chip. The first portion begins at an edge of the card body. An EMV chip may be within a pocket in the card body and the pocket may include an aperture through the card body. The card body may also include at least one of a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating, ceramic, PVD, Ink, PVC laminate or other materials over at least a portion of the card body. The card body may include a metallic material comprising at least one of titanium, aluminum, or stainless steel. The card body may also include a marking, perforation, etching, relief or finishing features.
- In various embodiments, a method of fabricating a card body may comprise positioning the card body at a first angle with respect to a cutter; creating a first portion of a slot in the card body at the first angle by at least one of translating the card body across the cutter or translating the cutter across the card body; stopping the translating of the card body; rotating at least one of the card body or the cutter to a third angle to create a second portion of the slot; and creating a third portion of the slot in the card body at the third angle by at least one of translating the card body across the cutter or translating the cutter across the card body. The translating the transaction card across the cutter may include creating a third portion of the slot that ends underneath an EMV chip.
- Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the various embodiments and from the drawings.
- The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
-
FIG. 1 is a drawing of a front view of a transaction card showing an exemplary slot and other features, in accordance with various embodiments. -
FIG. 2 is a drawing of various layers of a transaction card, in accordance with various embodiments. -
FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the details of a pocket within a card body, in accordance with various embodiments. -
FIG. 4 is a drawing showing exemplary angles of the slots in a card body, in accordance with various embodiments. -
FIG. 5 is a drawing of an exemplary jig for rotating a card body, in accordance with various embodiments. -
FIG. 6 is a drawing of an exemplary robotic arm system for rotating a card body, in accordance with various embodiments. -
FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing the process for creating a transaction card, in accordance with various embodiments. -
FIG. 1 illustrates atransaction card 100 showingprimary surface 204. Thetransaction card 100 may be composed ofcard body 110 which may comprise any material disclosed herein. Thetransaction card 100 includes a width 126 relative toheight 128.Primary surface 204 andsecondary surface 208 may include a DLC coating and various features that are produced through marking, finishing, etching, and/or perforation, as described herein.Primary surface 204 may comprise one or more of a matte surface and a glossy surface. In various embodiments,primary surface 204 may be polished to a glossy, highly reflective surface. Finishing may be used to transform a portion of the glossy surface to a matte finish. - In various embodiments, and with reference to
FIG. 2 , fabricating thetransaction card 100 may include creating different layers of thetransaction card 100. Theoverall transaction card 100 may include various layers including, for example, one or more of a diamondclear coating 210, raisedletter printing 215, blackceramic coating 220,card body 110 comprised of a stainless steel inlay with antenna, aglue lam 230, a blackPVC print layer 235 and aclear laminate 240 with amagnetic stripe 206 or signature panel (e.g., milled within the laminate). - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , in various embodiments, any layer of the transaction card 100 (e.g., card body 110) may include anangled slot 125 having afirst portion 130, asecond portion 140 and athird portion 150 in thecard body 110. Theslot 125 may be, for example, about 60 microns wide (a typicaltransaction card thickness 104 is about 760(+/−10%) microns).Slot 125 may pass through theentire thickness 104 ofcard body 110, though invarious embodiments slot 125 may be a score or channel withincard body 110. Theangled slot 125 may be in the form of a “French cleat”. In that regard, the transaction card includes multiple slots 125 (or multiple portions of a slot 125) formed from different angles. As such, theangled slot 125 may prevent or minimize separation. In particular, theangled slot 125 may prevent or minimize separation when pressure is applied to the card from opposite sides. If just oneangled slot 125 is used (e.g., just thefirst portion 130 or just the third portion 150), reverse pressure points on either side of theslot 125 may still split the card and/or break theEMV chip 102. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theslot 125 may start at an edge of thecard body 110 and end below theEMV chip 102. In particular, thethird portion 150 of theslot 125 may end at a far edge of anaperture 120 within a pocket 122 (the far aperture edge is the aperture edge farthest from thecard edge 168 where theslot 125 starts). In particular, thecard body 110 may include apocket 122 that houses theEMV chip 102.Pocket 122 may be created by any device or process that may form the pocket such as by milling, laser cutting, chemical etching, whittling, etc. Thepocket 122 may be centered at about 0.601 inches from the closer side of the card and 0.895 inches from the top of the card. Thepocket 122 may include anaperture 120 in the center of thepocket 122. Thepocket 122 includes a recessedledge 123 within thepocket 122 and the recessedledge 123 surrounds theaperture 120. Thus, the outer rim of theEMV chip 102 may rest on the recessedledge 123, while the center of theEMV chip 102 is suspended over theaperture 120. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 4 , theangled slot 125 may communicate with the antenna in theEMV chip 102. The EMV standard governs how payment cards and point of sale (POS) terminals interact to facilitate purchases and withdrawals in a fast and secure manner. The EMV standard also enables verifications of payments. TheEMV chip 102 uses capacitive coupling and/or inductive coupling to facilitate an exchange of data communication and energy with a contactless reader.EMV chip 102 also drives active elements such as, for example, for integrating into payment objects and identification objects. As such, when the transaction card is waved over a POS terminal, the POS terminal may send out an EM field with EM energy. Theslot 125 may focus energy above and/or below theslot 125. Thecard body 110 that is metal absorbs the EM energy and theslot 125 acts as a contactless antenna, so the EM energy is focused into theslot 125. As discussed above, theslot 125 overlaps with theEMV chip 102, so in an EM field, the surface current around theslot 125 may provide the power delivery to theEMV chip 102 by coupling the EM energy to the inductive coupling contact pad that includes a module antenna of theEMV chip 102. The coupling may be a reactive coupling that includes a combination of capacitive and inductive coupling. - In various embodiments, each portion may be formed at any angle and be any length. As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 ,first portion 130 ofslot 125 may be in a range of between about 35 degrees to about 70 degrees with respect to the plane of the card body. For example, first portion may be at an about 45 degree angle from the plane of the card. The length offirst portion 130 may be in a range of between about 0.1875-0.25 inches into the card from anedge 168 of the card. For example, the length may be about ⅜, ¼ or 3/16 inches in various embodiments. However, the length of thefirst portion 130 may vary depending on the size of the contact pad andpocket 122. Thesecond portion 140 is formed substantially perpendicular to thefirst portion 130 based on rotating the card about 90 degrees. The second portion may be formed with an about 90 degree angle from the plane of the card. Thethird portion 150 of theslot 125 may be in a range of between about 90 degrees and about 160 degrees with respect to the plane of the card body. For example,third portion 150 may be at an opposite about 45 degree angle from the plane of the card (i.e., 135 degree angle from the original plane of the card).Third portion 150 may be in a range of between about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches in length. For example, the length of thethird portion 150 may be about 0.69 inches. This may leave about 800 microns of overlap in each direction (i.e., the horizontal distance between the top cut of theslot 125 to the bottom cut of the slot 125), with a length within theangled slot 125 of about 1131 microns (i.e., the angled distance between the top cut of theslot 125 to the bottom cut of the slot 125). - In other embodiments, the
first portion 130 of theslot 125 may be at an about 60 degree angle from the plane of the card. Thethird portion 150 of theslot 125 may be about 0.69 inches in length and may be at an opposite about 60 degree angle from the plane of the card (i.e., 150 degree angle). This may leave about 1385 microns of overlap in each direction, with a length of theangled slot 125 of about 1600 microns. - The
slot 125 may be formed into the card. In various embodiments, theslot 125 may be formed by cutting theslot 125 out of the card body 110 (e.g., laser cutter). Thecard body 110 may be pushed through the cutter or the cutter may move across thecard body 110. The cutter may be mounted to a 3D robot arm, to allow the cutter to move across thecard body 110. A jig may translate thecard body 110 through a perpendicular cutter (e.g., laser beam). Thecard body 110 may move a little more than about 0.5 inches when forming all of thefirst portion 130,second portion 140 andthird portion 150 of theslot 125. As set forth inFIG. 7 , the card body is positioned at a first angle with respect to the cutter (step 710). The device creates a first portion of a slot in the card body at the first angle by at least one of translating the card body across the cutter or translating the cutter across the card body (step 720). After completing thefirst portion 130, thecard body 110 or cutter is no longer translated (step 730), then thecard body 110 or cutter may be rotated about 90 degrees (step 740). Such rotation causes asecond portion 140 of theslot 125 to be formed substantially perpendicular to thefirst portion 130. Thecard body 110 or cutter is then translated again to form the third portion 150 (step 750). - In various embodiments, the fabrication of the
slot 125 may completed with a jig (e.g., laser jig), as set forth inFIG. 5 . In particular, the card may be placed on mountingdevice 410 of a jig that moves the card through a perpendicular cutter 400 (e.g., laser cutter) orcutter 400 translates over the jig. The mountingdevice 410 may include a lifting table 415 that includes ahinge 417 on one end of the lifting table 415 and aguide handle 420 on the other end of the lifting table 415. Acard locking mechanism 419 holds the card against a front face of the lifting table 415. Thehinge 417 rotatably connects the lifting table 415 to an about 45degree block 425. The 45degree block 425 is mounted on aslide block 430. Thecutter 400 may be fixed perpendicular to the mountingdevice 410, but the lifting table 415 may be rotated around itshinge 417 from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees. - In various embodiments, the fabrication of the
slot 125 may be completed with arobotic arm 510, as set forth inFIG. 6 . Therobotic arm 510 may hold thecard body 110 between cutter 500 (e.g., a laser cutter or wire cutter). Thecutter 500 may be fixed perpendicular to therobotic arm 510. Therobotic arm 510 moves thecard body 110 through thecutter 500 to form thefirst portion 130 of theslot 125 at the about 45 degree angle. After cutting thefirst portion 130 of theslot 125, therobotic arm 510 does not translate the card, but rotates the card about 90 degrees (i.e., from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees). The rotation of thecard body 110 below thecutter 500 forms thesecond portion 140 of theslot 125. Therobotic arm 510 then translates thecard body 110 again to form thethird portion 150 of theslot 125 at the about 135 degree angle. In particular, after the rotation is complete, the cutting may proceed about parallel to thefirst portion 130 of theslot 125. Thethird portion 150 of theslot 125 may be fabricated by cutting at an opposite about 45 degree angle from the plane of the card (i.e., about 135 degree angle). Thethird portion 150 of theslot 125 may be in a range of between about 0.625 to 0.690 inches and end at a far edge of an aperture within a pocket (the far aperture edge is the aperture edge farthest from the card edge where theslot 125 starts). - The
slot 125 then may be filled with non-conductive filler. The excess filler may then be polished or buffed off the surface (front and back) of thecard body 110 and off the edges. Filling theslot 125 may also include vacuum pulling glue into theslot 125 and curing the glue. A DLC or metal coating may be applied to thecard body 110. As discussed above with respect toFIG. 3 , apocket 122 for theEMV chip 102 may be milled out of the card. Thepocket 122 may include anaperture 120 in the center of the pocket. The pocket includes a recessedledge 123 within the pocket and the recessedledge 123 surrounds theaperture 120. Thus, theEMV chip 102 may rest on the recessedledge 123, while the center of theEMV chip 102 is suspended over theaperture 120. - In various embodiments,
multiple slots 125 may be formed in a sheet of cards prior to cutting out the individual card bodies. In other embodiments,individual card bodies 110 are first cut out of the sheet prior to forming theslot 125 in eachcard body 110. Theslots 125 are formed in each transaction card. After all of the milling and cutouts are completed on the individual cards, multiple cards are then embedded in PVC in a sheet format on a tray (e.g., 16 cards per tray). The multiple cards are maintained in the sheet format with 2-5 tabs per card to lock the card in place. The multiple cards are maintained in a sheet format to allow for more accurate alignments, more accurate registration, easier card art and more efficient printing on the cards. Amagnetic stripe 206 is mounted onto a non-stick sheet. Glue is used and laminate is melted into themagnetic stripe 206 cutout. A computerized number control (CNC) lathe machine is used to cut and polish themagnetic stripes 206. The top and bottom non-stick may easily peel off, and the cards can be popped out. - As used herein, a “transaction card” may include any surface, object, device or any part of a card that includes a
slot 125, regardless of the card's ability to conduct a transaction.Slot 125 may be within the card body or any other part of the card. A “transaction card” may also include any device that acts as a contactless antenna and/or focuses EM waves. The disclosure may also apply to minimizing or preventing breakage of any surface, object or device. For example, a transaction card may be a charge card, credit card, debit card, awards card, prepaid card, telephone card, smart card, magnetic stripe card, bar code card, transponder, radio frequency card and/or the like. The transaction card may have an associated account number (e.g., embossed, printed, and/or accessed), which cardholders typically present to merchants or use to interact with a machine, as part of a transaction, such as a purchase. - ISO 7810 stipulates that transaction cards in the “ID-1” format be 85.60 mm in width×53.98 mm in height×0.76 mm in thickness (3.370 in×2.125 in×0.03 in) (as the terms width, height, and thickness are further discussed herein). In various embodiments, transaction cards may be standard-sized (i.e., about 3⅜ inches by about 2¼ inches by about 0.03 inches, and/or those dimensions specified in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811, for example, for an “ID-1” card) or any other size specified in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811 or any other size or configuration still usable as a transaction card or configured to interact with another card or device (e.g., a larger transaction card, small transaction card, reduced size transaction card, foldable transaction card, the card being part of another device, the card being removed from another device). Moreover, the transaction card may have a
magnetic stripe 206, an embeddedEMV chip 102, a signature panel, a holographic image, and/or any feature typically contained on or within a transaction card. Various foldable cards and/or transaction cards of non-traditional size may be used as the transaction card in various embodiments. - A
card body 110 may refer to a material in any shape or thickness. Thecard body 110 may be shaped substantially as a transaction card and/or a layer of a transaction card. In that regard, the card body may be generally sized as a transaction card though it may not meet ISO 7810 and/or 7811 dimensions. A layer of a transaction card may refer to a material that has the length and width (as defined herein) substantially near the ISO 7810 and/or 7811 specified dimensions but has a thickness (as defined herein) less than the ISO 7810 and/or 7811 specified dimensions. In that regard, atransaction card 100 may comprise a layer of metal that is, in various embodiments, bonded, laminated and/or otherwise coupled to another layer (or a transaction card having a metal layer and another layer such as a ceramic layer). In various embodiments, a metallic card body may have the width and height of an ID-1 card as set forth in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811, but may have a thickness that is less than the thickness of an ID-1 card as set forth in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811. For example, a metallic card body may have a thickness of less than 0.03 in. and/or less than 0.025 in. - The
card body 110 may be polished and/or buffed to a glossy, highly reflective finish. The finishes may include, for example, ceramic, PVD, DLC, ink, chemical process or any other finishing technique. In various embodiments, one or more cutters or lasers may be used to alter the card body. For example, a laser may emit a focused beam of light having a given power output. Thus, a laser directed at a surface may have varying effects on the surface based upon the power output of the laser and the duration of exposure. Lasers may emit a light over a small area, providing the ability for precision works. Moreover, lasers may be accurately and precisely controlled via electronic control systems for manufacturing ease. A typical laser may be obtained from Virtek Laser Solutions, Inc. In various embodiments, a 1064 nm, 25 W diode pumped YVO4 laser may be used. - The effect a laser may have on a metal material depends in part on the power output of the laser and the duration of exposure. For example, exposure for a short time to a low power laser may alter the surface characteristics of a metal material, for example, changing a glossy finished surface to a matte finish (i.e., one that is not as reflective to visible light). In contrast, exposure to a high power output laser for a first duration, or a lower power output laser for a second duration that is longer than the first duration, may cause a perforation of the metal material. In that regard, various laser processes may be characterized by their effect on a metal material. These various techniques may be applied, in various embodiments, in the manufacture of a card body or the entire transaction card. Lasers can provide marking of metal materials at depths of as low as about 0.0003 inches. Though lasers may have various power outputs, for purposes of explanation, various laser processes may be characterized by the total power during the exposure to a metal material. Stated another way, the total power of laser exposure to a surface may be thought of as the amount of laser energy applied per unit time of exposure.
- With respect to
FIG. 3 ,card body 110 may comprisepocket 122.Pocket 122 may comprise an indentation or other depression that is offset fromprimary surface 204.EMV chip 102 is disposed inpocket 122. The position ofEMV chip 102 on thecard body 110 may be standardized by industry practice (for example, ISO 7816).EMV chip 102 may include an integrated antenna so thatEMV chip 102 may facilitate wireless transactions.EMV chip 102 may comprise any suitable recordable media, for example, an integrated circuit.EMV chip 102 may comply with one or more industry standards such as ISO 7819 and ISO 7816 to provide “smartcard” functionality totransaction card 100. In that regard,EMV chip 102 may aid in the facilitation of financial transactions. Many jurisdictions may now prefer aEMV chip 102 in transaction cards.EMV chip 102 may be disposed onto a card body in a variety of ways.Pocket 122 may be formed so that whenEMV chip 102 is disposed therein, a surface ofEMV chip 102 will be flush or substantially flush withprimary surface 204. An adhesive may be disposed in thepocket 122 or on theEMV chip 102 prior to positioning anEMV chip 102 into apocket 122 incard body 110. Any suitable adhesive may be used. For example, ABLEBOND 931-1T1N1 may be used for this purpose. Further, in various embodiments, an insulating material may be disposed in thecard body 110pocket 122 to be positioned between theEMV chip 102 and thecard body 110 so as to electrically insulate theEMV chip 102 and the card body. An adhesive may act as an insulating material. Any insulator may be used for this purpose. - In various embodiments, as set forth in
FIG. 3 ,card body 110 may comprise any material. In various embodiments, the material for the card body may be a metallic material comprising any suitable metal and/or metal alloy, including titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy stainless steel, tin, zinc, copper, nickel, chromium, tungsten, brass and/or nickel/chromium alloys. -
Card body 110 may have card backer applied to cardbody 110 comprised of a laminate, print layer and/or coating. The card backer may include any of the surfaces disclosed inFIG. 2 such as, for example, a diamondclear coating 210, raisedletter printing 215, blackceramic coating 220, aglue lam 230, a blackPVC print layer 235 and aclear laminate 240 with amagnetic stripe 206 or signature panel (e.g., milled within the laminate). A card backer may refer to a transaction card shaped material in any size, shape or thickness. The card backer may be shaped substantially as a transaction card and/or a layer of a transaction card. In that regard, the card backer may be generally sized as a transaction card though it may not meet ISO 7810 and/or 7811 dimensions. A card backer may have the length and width (as defined herein) substantially near the ISO 7810 and/or 7811 specified dimensions but has a thickness (as defined herein) less than the ISO 7810 and/or 7811 specified dimensions. In that regard, a transaction card, according to various embodiments, may comprise a card backer coupled to (by bonding, lamination, and/or other suitable method) a card body. In various embodiments, a card backer may have the width and height of an ID-1 card as set forth in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811, but may have a thickness that is less than the thickness of an ID-1 card as set forth in ISO 7810 and ISO 7811. For example, a card backer may have a thickness of less than 0.003 in., less than 0.02 in., 0.18 in., less than 0.015, and between 0.001 inches and 0.02 inches. - In various embodiments, a metallic card body may be coated with a protective coating. The coating may be deposited via physical vapor deposition (PVD). In various embodiments, the body may be coated with a protective coating such as a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating. A DLC coating may be generally amorphous, though portions of a DLC coating may have a crystalline structure. For example, a DLC coating may comprise a mixture of forms of carbon, including graphite and diamond. In that regard, carbon in a DLC coating may contain hybridized carbon. A DLC coating may comprise a carbon composition that exhibits high hardness, corrosion resistance, low coefficient of friction (˜0.02 to 0.2), and high electrical resistivity. A DLC coating may be between 1 micron and 50 microns thick, between 2 microns and 25 microns thick, and between 2 microns and 15 microns thick. A DLC coating may be applied by PVD process, for example, cathodic arc PVD, sputtering, or plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
- In various embodiments, a metal-containing transaction card may have a metallic card body and a DLC coating that may provide improved corrosion resistance relative to metallic transaction cards without a DLC coating.
-
Secondary surface 208 may comprise a feature or marking. Feature may include account indicia such as an account number, an accountholder's name, a loyalty notation (e.g., “Member Since 2001”), an expiration date, a signature, a brand name, or other indicia such as legal notices, regulatory compliance messages, phone numbers, URLs, email addresses, trademarks, pictures, graphics, bar codes, CCID code or any alphanumeric characters. - As used herein, “finishing” may refer any device or process (e.g., application of a laser to a surface or CNC machining) to remove and/or disrupt a glossy and/or highly reflective finish. For example, laser finishing may impart a matte finish on a metal material surface.
- As used herein, “marking” may refer to any device or process (e.g., application of a laser to a surface or CNC machining) imparts a visible disruption to the surface. For example, removing a portion of material from the surface of the card body. In various embodiments, account indicia such as an account number, an accountholder's name, a loyalty notation (e.g., “Member Since 2001”), an expiration date, a signature, a brand name, or other indicia such as legal notices, regulatory compliance messages, phone numbers, URLs, email addresses, trademarks, pictures, graphics, bar codes, CCID code or any alphanumeric characters may be marked onto a surface. For example, laser marking may impart visible features to a metal material surface such as readable text onto a metal material surface. Laser marking involves the application of more total power from a laser than laser finishing.
- As used herein, “etching” may refer any device or process (e.g., application of a laser to a surface or CNC machining) that imparts an indentation to the surface. In particular, etching may be used to impart various graphic features onto a surface of a card body. In various embodiments, a logo, a decorative border, a brand name, and/or other features may be etched onto a surface. For example, laser etching may remove a portion of metal material from a metal material surface. In that regard, laser marking may impart visible features to a metal material surface that have a palpable depth. Laser etching involves the application of more total power from a laser than laser marking.
- As used herein, “perforation” may refer any device or process for (e.g., application of a laser to a surface or CNC machining) to bore a hole completely through the card body. For example, perforation may be used to impart various graphic features onto a card body. In various embodiments, a logo and/or other features may be formed onto a card body. For example, laser perforation may completely remove metal material from a metal material surface, leaving a through hole. In that regard, laser perforation may impart visible features to a metal material surface that traverse a thickness (as defined herein) of a card body. Laser perforation involves the application of more total power from a laser than laser etching. Laser cutting may be performed with similar laser parameters as laser perforation, but laser cutting may be used to remove metal material in any suitable manner.
-
Marked feature 210 is disposed onprimary surface 204. Marked feature may be produced by laser marking, as discussed above. In various embodiments, marked feature may include account indicia such as an account number, an accountholder's name, a loyalty notation (e.g., “Member Since 2001”), an expiration date, a signature, a brand name, or other indicia such as legal notices, regulatory compliance messages, phone numbers, URLs, email addresses, trademarks, pictures, graphics, bar codes, CCID code or any alphanumeric characters. -
Etched feature 202 is disposed onprimary surface 204. Etched feature may be produced by laser etching, as discussed above. In various embodiments, etched feature may include a logo, and/or a decorative feature such as a border, though other patterns are contemplated herein. -
Secondary surface 208 may comprise fill panel 108. Fill panel 108 may comprise a metal material, for example, the same metal material ofcard body 110. Fill panel 108 may have thickness from about 0.001 in to about 0.01 in, about 0.003 in to about 0.009 in and/or about 0.008 in, wherein the term about may refer to +/−0.0001 in. Fill panel 108 may be coupled to a card backer by an adhesive or other suitable coupling method. - Fill panel 108 may comprise a gloss/matte feature. A gloss/matte feature may comprise a feature that comprises a gloss portion and matte portion. Together, gloss portion and matte portion may be configured to display account indicia such as an account number, an accountholder's name, a loyalty notation (e.g., “Member Since 2001”), an expiration date, a signature, a brand name, or other indicia such as legal notices, regulatory compliance messages, phone numbers, URLs, email addresses, trademarks, pictures, graphics, bar codes, CCID code or any alphanumeric characters. In that regard, alphanumeric characters may be formed as gloss portion against background of matte portion.
- A
magnetic stripe 206 may be disposed onsecondary surface 208.Magnetic stripe 206 may comprise any suitable recordable media.Magnetic stripe 206 may be encoded via any encoding processes commonly used to encode the transaction cards. Specifically, either or both of the recordable media, such as themagnetic stripe 206 and/or theEMV chip 102, may be encoded to providetransaction card 100 with information beneficial to facilitate a financial transaction. The recordable media may be read via a magnetic stripe reader or aEMV chip 102 reader. - Manufacturing a
transaction card 100 or card body 110 (e.g., that contains metal) may include machining, grinding, casting, forging, water jet cutting, die cutting, laser cutting, plasma cutting and stamping, as well as by additive manufacturing techniques. Thecard body 110 may be subject to DLC coating. A DLC coating may be applied by a PVD process, for example, cathodic arc PVD, sputtering, or plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The DLC coating may be applied toprimary surface 204,secondary surface 208 or both. - The
card body 110 may be subject to treating. As discussed above, treating may comprise finishing, marking, etching, and perforation. For example, laser finishing, laser marking, laser etching, and laser perforation may be performed on the DLC coatedcard body 110 to create the various features described in connection with those techniques. In various embodiments, a single laser is used for laser treating and set to different total power outputs to accomplish each task. Certain indicia, such as a cardholder's signature, may be captured digitally and used as a digital template to guide the laser in laser marking the cardholder's signature. The DLC coatedcard body 110 may have recordable media applied such as amagnetic stripe 206. Amagnetic stripe 206 may be disposed on the DLC coated card body using an adhesive or other suitable coupling media. AnEMV chip 102 may be installed inpocket 122. - Metal-containing transaction cards that are DLC coated have a number of advantages over conventional transaction cards comprised of plastic or metal. DLC coatings may be very hard and thus DLC coated metal-containing transaction cards may resist scratching. DLC coated metal-containing transaction cards may be more resistant to deformation than plastic or metal. Combinations of various features found in DLC coated metal-containing transaction cards described herein may be very difficult to reproduce without costly equipment and know-how. Thus, the risk of fraudulent reproduction of DLC coated metal-containing transaction cards is reduced, thus leading to more security. DLC coated metal-containing transaction cards may further provide a luxurious look and feel, which may be beneficial in the marketplace.
- In various embodiments,
transaction card 100 and related systems (e.g., POS terminal) may be configured with a biometric security system that may be used for providing biometrics as a secondary form of identification. The biometric security system may include a transponder and a reader communicating with the system. The biometric security system also may include a biometric sensor that detects biometric samples and a device for verifying biometric samples. The biometric security system may be configured with one or more biometric scanners, processors and/or systems. A biometric system may include one or more technologies, or any portion thereof, such as, for example, recognition of a biometric. As used herein, a biometric may include a user's voice, fingerprint, facial, ear, signature, vascular patterns, DNA sampling, hand geometry, sound, olfactory, keystroke/typing, iris, retinal or any other biometric relating to recognition based upon any body part, function, system, attribute and/or other characteristic, or any portion thereof. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , anaccount number 210 may appear on the card. An “account number”, as used herein, includes any device, code, number, letter, symbol, digital certificate, smart chip, digital signal, analog signal, biometric or other identifier/indicia suitably configured to allow the consumer to interact or communicate with the system, such as, for example, authorization/access code, personal identification number (PIN), Internet code, other identification code, and/or the like which is optionally located on card. The account number may be distributed and stored in any form of plastic, metal, electronic, magnetic, radio frequency, wireless, audio and/or optical device capable of transmitting or downloading data from itself to a second device. A customer account number may be, for example, a sixteen-digit credit card number, although each credit provider has its own numbering system, such as the fifteen-digit numbering system used by American Express. Each company's credit card numbers comply with that company's standardized format such that the company using a sixteen-digit format will generally use four spaced sets of numbers, as represented by the number “0000 0000 0000 0000”. The first five to seven digits are reserved for processing purposes and identify the issuing bank, card type and etc. In this example, the last sixteenth digit is used as a sum check for the sixteen-digit number. The intermediary eight-to-ten digits are used to uniquely identify the customer. - In various embodiments, an account number may identify a consumer. In addition, in various embodiments, a consumer may be identified by a variety of identifiers, including, for example, an email address, a telephone number, a cookie id, a radio frequency identifier (RFID), a biometric, a geographic indicator and/or the like. The card may be associated with, have access to or include a rewards account, charge account, credit account, debit account, prepaid account, telephone card, embossed card, smart card, magnetic stripe card, bar code card, transponder, radio frequency card, key card, access card or an associated account. As used herein, any terms similar to “identifier” may be any suitable identifier that uniquely identifies an item. For example, the identifier may be a globally unique identifier (“GUID”). The GUID may be an identifier created and/or implemented under the universally unique identifier standard. Moreover, the GUID may be stored as 128-bit value that can be displayed as 32 hexadecimal digits. The identifier may also include a major number, and a minor number. The major number and minor number may each be 16 bit integers.
- The card or associated systems may include or interface with any accounts, devices, and/or a transponder and reader (e.g. RFID reader) in RF communication with the transponder (which may include a fob), or communications between an initiator and a target enabled by near field communications (NFC). Typical devices may include, for example, a key ring, tag, card, cell phone, wristwatch or any such form capable of being presented for interrogation. Moreover, the card, system, computing unit or device discussed herein may include a “pervasive computing device,” which may include a traditionally non-computerized device that is embedded with a computing unit. Examples may include watches, Internet enabled kitchen appliances, restaurant tables embedded with RF readers, wallets or purses with imbedded transponders, etc. Furthermore, a device or financial transaction instrument may have electronic and communications functionality enabled. For example, by: a network of electronic circuitry that is printed or otherwise incorporated onto or within the transaction instrument (and typically referred to as a “smart card”); a fob having a transponder and an RFID reader; and/or near field communication (NFC) technologies.
- The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings and pictures, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component may include a singular embodiment. Although specific advantages have been enumerated herein, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.
- In various embodiments, cards, components, modules, and/or engines of the system may be implemented in association with micro-applications or micro-apps. Micro-apps are typically deployed in the context of a mobile operating system, including for example, a WINDOWS® mobile operating system, an ANDROID® Operating System, APPLE® IOS®, a BLACKBERRY® operating system and the like. The micro-app may be configured to leverage the resources of the larger operating system and associated hardware via a set of predetermined rules which govern the operations of various operating systems and hardware resources. For example, where a micro-app desires to communicate with a device or network other than the mobile device or mobile operating system, the micro-app may leverage the communication protocol of the operating system and associated device hardware under the predetermined rules of the mobile operating system. Moreover, where the micro-app desires an input from a user, the micro-app may be configured to request a response from the operating system which monitors various hardware components and then communicates a detected input from the hardware to the micro-app.
- Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the invention. The scope of the invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to ‘at least one of A, B, and C’ is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Although the invention has been described as a method, it is contemplated that it may be embodied as computer program instructions on a tangible computer-readable carrier, such as a magnetic or optical memory or a magnetic or optical disk. All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described exemplary embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
Claims (25)
Priority Applications (9)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/410,719 US10909436B2 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2019-05-13 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
KR1020217039674A KR20210155018A (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2020-05-12 | Angled slot on transaction card |
JP2021566237A JP7377284B2 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2020-05-12 | Angled slot in transaction card |
EP20805225.8A EP3970070A4 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2020-05-12 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
CN202080035077.6A CN113874879A (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2020-05-12 | Angled slot in transaction card |
SG11202112224VA SG11202112224VA (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2020-05-12 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
PCT/US2020/032420 WO2020231960A1 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2020-05-12 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
AU2020274987A AU2020274987B2 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2020-05-12 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
US17/150,489 US11195075B2 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2021-01-15 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/410,719 US10909436B2 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2019-05-13 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/150,489 Continuation US11195075B2 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2021-01-15 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200364527A1 true US20200364527A1 (en) | 2020-11-19 |
US10909436B2 US10909436B2 (en) | 2021-02-02 |
Family
ID=73228691
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/410,719 Active US10909436B2 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2019-05-13 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
US17/150,489 Active US11195075B2 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2021-01-15 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/150,489 Active US11195075B2 (en) | 2019-05-13 | 2021-01-15 | Angled slot in a transaction card |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US10909436B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3970070A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7377284B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20210155018A (en) |
CN (1) | CN113874879A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2020274987B2 (en) |
SG (1) | SG11202112224VA (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020231960A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102020007784A1 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2022-06-23 | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Gmbh | Process for producing a card body, card body for a chip card and chip card |
DE102020007783A1 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2022-06-23 | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Gmbh | Process for producing a card body, card body for a chip card and chip card |
WO2022214220A1 (en) * | 2021-04-08 | 2022-10-13 | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Gmbh | Chip body for a chip card, chip card, and method for producing a chip body |
US11551051B2 (en) * | 2013-01-18 | 2023-01-10 | Amatech Group Limiied | Coupling frames for smartcards with various module opening shapes |
US20230237299A1 (en) * | 2022-01-24 | 2023-07-27 | Adam Wahler | Omnidirectional magnetic surface for transaction cards |
US20240086665A1 (en) * | 2018-03-07 | 2024-03-14 | X-Card Holdings, Llc | Metal card |
US12079678B2 (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2024-09-03 | Giesecke+Devrient ePayments GmbH | Method for producing a card body, card body for a chip card and chip card |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10909436B2 (en) * | 2019-05-13 | 2021-02-02 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | Angled slot in a transaction card |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0688051B1 (en) * | 1994-06-15 | 1999-09-15 | De La Rue Cartes Et Systemes | Fabrication process and assembly of an integrated circuit card. |
DE19705170A1 (en) * | 1997-02-11 | 1998-08-20 | Orga Kartensysteme Gmbh | Pocket milling machine for chip cards |
JP2004118694A (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2004-04-15 | Toshiba Corp | Method for mounting hybrid ic card |
US7546671B2 (en) * | 2006-09-26 | 2009-06-16 | Micromechanic And Automation Technology Ltd. | Method of forming an inlay substrate having an antenna wire |
US20090019751A1 (en) * | 2007-07-20 | 2009-01-22 | Goetting Thomas J | Removably attachable card and card retaining device |
US9812782B2 (en) * | 2011-08-08 | 2017-11-07 | Féinics Amatech Teoranta | Coupling frames for RFID devices |
US20150269477A1 (en) * | 2012-08-30 | 2015-09-24 | David Finn | Dual-interface hybrid metal smartcard with a booster antenna or coupling frame |
US10089565B2 (en) * | 2013-09-09 | 2018-10-02 | Au Card, Llc | Personal cards formed from metals and metal alloys |
EP3335157B1 (en) * | 2015-08-14 | 2023-12-13 | Capital One Services, LLC | Two-piece transaction card construction |
US9953258B1 (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2018-04-24 | Capital One Services, Llc | Transaction card having structural reinforcement |
KR102660470B1 (en) | 2017-05-03 | 2024-04-23 | 페이닉스 아마테크 테오란타 | Smart card with metal layer and manufacturing method |
KR102029809B1 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2019-11-11 | 코나엠 주식회사 | The metal vapour deposition of plastic card manufacturing methods and metal vacuum deposition plating plastic card |
US10744811B2 (en) * | 2018-04-26 | 2020-08-18 | Capital One Services, Llc | Polyester canvas card |
US10909436B2 (en) * | 2019-05-13 | 2021-02-02 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | Angled slot in a transaction card |
-
2019
- 2019-05-13 US US16/410,719 patent/US10909436B2/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-05-12 AU AU2020274987A patent/AU2020274987B2/en active Active
- 2020-05-12 WO PCT/US2020/032420 patent/WO2020231960A1/en unknown
- 2020-05-12 JP JP2021566237A patent/JP7377284B2/en active Active
- 2020-05-12 SG SG11202112224VA patent/SG11202112224VA/en unknown
- 2020-05-12 KR KR1020217039674A patent/KR20210155018A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2020-05-12 EP EP20805225.8A patent/EP3970070A4/en active Pending
- 2020-05-12 CN CN202080035077.6A patent/CN113874879A/en active Pending
-
2021
- 2021-01-15 US US17/150,489 patent/US11195075B2/en active Active
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11551051B2 (en) * | 2013-01-18 | 2023-01-10 | Amatech Group Limiied | Coupling frames for smartcards with various module opening shapes |
US20240086665A1 (en) * | 2018-03-07 | 2024-03-14 | X-Card Holdings, Llc | Metal card |
DE102020007784A1 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2022-06-23 | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Gmbh | Process for producing a card body, card body for a chip card and chip card |
DE102020007783A1 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2022-06-23 | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Gmbh | Process for producing a card body, card body for a chip card and chip card |
WO2022128159A1 (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2022-06-23 | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Gmbh | Method for producing a card body, card body for a chip card, and chip card |
US20240037363A1 (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2024-02-01 | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Gmbh | Method for producing a card body, card body for a chip card and chip card |
US12079678B2 (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2024-09-03 | Giesecke+Devrient ePayments GmbH | Method for producing a card body, card body for a chip card and chip card |
WO2022214220A1 (en) * | 2021-04-08 | 2022-10-13 | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Gmbh | Chip body for a chip card, chip card, and method for producing a chip body |
DE102021001816A1 (en) | 2021-04-08 | 2022-10-13 | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Gmbh | Card body for a chip card, chip card and method for producing a card body |
US20230237299A1 (en) * | 2022-01-24 | 2023-07-27 | Adam Wahler | Omnidirectional magnetic surface for transaction cards |
US11875208B2 (en) * | 2022-01-24 | 2024-01-16 | Adam Wahler | Omnidirectional magnetic surface for transaction cards |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2020274987B2 (en) | 2023-09-28 |
JP7377284B2 (en) | 2023-11-09 |
SG11202112224VA (en) | 2021-12-30 |
EP3970070A4 (en) | 2023-02-15 |
KR20210155018A (en) | 2021-12-21 |
EP3970070A1 (en) | 2022-03-23 |
US10909436B2 (en) | 2021-02-02 |
JP2022533560A (en) | 2022-07-25 |
CN113874879A (en) | 2021-12-31 |
AU2020274987A1 (en) | 2021-11-25 |
WO2020231960A1 (en) | 2020-11-19 |
US20210133530A1 (en) | 2021-05-06 |
US11195075B2 (en) | 2021-12-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11195075B2 (en) | Angled slot in a transaction card | |
US10331994B2 (en) | Method for creating ceramic-containing transaction cards | |
US9760816B1 (en) | Metal-containing transaction cards and methods of making the same | |
US11915075B1 (en) | Ceramic transaction cards | |
AU2021204788B2 (en) | Electronic card having an electronic interface | |
US7823777B2 (en) | Metal-containing transaction card and method of making same | |
US10471761B2 (en) | Transaction card having features for easy removal from wallet | |
EP3629244A2 (en) | Electronic card having an electronic interface |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:COLEMAN, JAMES BRUCE;REEL/FRAME:049162/0449 Effective date: 20190510 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |